Top CV Tips

The CV is your personal business card, giving you a chance to show off all the attributes that make you the ideal candidate for a job. Most employers spend less than 15 seconds scanning each CV before sticking it in the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ pile.

Our CV tips show you how to make the best possible first impression and get the job interviews you really want.

Get the format right

Give the maximum and best quality information possible by using the minimum number of words. A CV should be no more than 2 pages long or 3 if you have lots of experience. Keep your CV clutter free and easy to read. Use a simple font such as Arial. Bullet point paragraphs and put headings or key points in bold to make them stand out.

Taylor it to your audience

Take the time to change your CV for each role you apply for. Research the organisation and use the job specifications to work out exactly what experience and skills you should highlight. Use the same language on the job specification in your CV.

Highlight your strengths

Make sure that you put in plenty of relevant achievements and responsibilities, such as line management and budget responsibilities.

Don’t leave any gaps!

Leaving obvious gaps on your CV can make potential employers suspicious. If you have been out of work do not worry, you can put a positive spin on it. Did you do a course, undertake volunteer work or develop soft skills such as team work, communication or project management? If so, mention it!

Keep it error free

Check your spelling and grammar. Ask someone else to double-check what you have written, don’t just rely on spell checker.

Keep it up-to-date

You should keep your CV up-to-date whether you’re looking for a new job or not. Every time something significant happens in your career, record it so that you don’t forget about it.

Update your CV and register with Bespoke.

To read our tips on how to prepare for a successful job interview click here.